About

Parent Connect is a partnership with the Benevolent Society, Cootharinga North Queensland (in partnership with The Umbrella Network - Rockhampton), Mission Australia, Sunshine Coast Children's Therapy Centre and the Queensland Government - Department of Communities in providing early intervention, prevention and transition support to parents of children with a disability or who are developmentally delayed (0-6yrs) or older children (over 6 yrs) with a newly acquired or an identified disability.

Parent Connect guides parents through planning and mapping to help determine the best possible response for their family, and offer a range of supports for up to 12 months to implement changes.

Parent Connect aims to provide parents with knowledge, skills and support to optimise their child’s development and their ability to participate in family and community life.

Parent Connect aims to complement and strengthen the support provided by families, parents and the natural networks through

Family Networks – to meet, research and gain information that allows you to explore what you need;

Community Inclusion – short–term case coordination and planning to assist families’ action steps to reach their goals through links to services and communities; and

Parents can contact the Parent Connect Facilitator in their area directly or be referred from disability services, community organisation and service providers.

We understand the issues involved in caring for children with special needs and are available to talk with parents and other family members who visit. We can offer support and provide information to assist in overcoming many of the daily living difficulties that many parents of children with special needs experience. We can help you find information about specific conditions, services, equipment and agencies as well as support groups and entitlements.

One of the most important and effective services we provide is to connect families who are in similar situations. Quite often our ‘other’ friends or family members may say they understand – but sometimes those words can seem empty. To have a child with extra needs is hard to explain to others who simply don’t live it.

We have have found a helpful and gentle way to introduce families who may be travelling a similar path with their children. In a relaxed and calm setting it can be easy to chat over a cup of coffee and share stories. One of our staff or volunteer parents can fascilitate the first meeting making the initial meet more comfortable.

We also have access to Social Workers and Mental Health Professionals should you choose to ask after their services .